Microsoft's Sender ID e-mail authentication technology can now be used without fear of the software giant's intellectual property lawyers.

The Redmond, Wash., company said Monday it is making the "Sender ID Framework" available under its Open Specification Promise program. That means Microsoft will not sue anyone who creates products or services based on the e-mail technology.

The move is part of an effort to promote interoperability among commercial and open-source software products, and among Internet access providers that utilize e-mail authentication, Microsoft said in a statement.

"Users will be able to implement, commercialize and modify Microsoft's patented e-mail authentication technology without having to sign a licensing agreement," it said.